The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) start with a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination from a physician. The exam usually includes questions about your history and often an EKG or ECG. Some patients may need a thorough electrophysiology study.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Although no one is able to absolutely guarantee that a stroke or a clot can be preventable, there are ways to reduce risks for developing these problems.
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include:
Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control)
Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
Avoiding atrial fibrillation and subsequently lowering your stroke risk can be as simple as foregoing your morning cup of coffee. In other words, some AFib cases are only as strong as their underlying cause. If hyperthyroidism is the cause of AFib, treating the thyroid condition may be enough to make AFib go away.
Doctors can use a variety of different medications to help control the heart rate during atrial fibrillation.
"These medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, work on the AV node," says Dr. Andrea Russo of University of Pennsylvania Health System. "They slow the heart rate and may help improve symptoms. However, they do not 'cure' the rhythm abnormality, and patients still require medication to prevent strokes while remaining in atrial fibrillation."
I was recently diagnosed with AFib and may need an ablation or two. How much time did you have to take off work after the procedure to heal? What can I expect having an ablation procedure?
8 weeks ago I was diagnosed with AFIB. I retained a lot of fluid which I lost while in the hospsital due to the constant IV Diuretics I lost 15 pounds of water. Now at home I regained 10 pounds even though I am only eating less than 1800 calories per day and trying to drink less than 40 ozs of fluid.. My Doctor just upped my Furosemide 20 mg to 4 tablets a day.
I just had my first succesful cardioversion and out of AFIB for now. Any ideas to hasten the fluid loss? It can be very uncomfortable. Thanks
I went to the ER at approx. 8:00 PM Friday, 7/13/18 with an odd feeling in my chest and a heart rate averaging 164 BPM up to 189, per my Polar HRM. Diagnosed as being in AFib VERY quickly by ER staff. I converted to sinus rhythm about 4.5 hrs later (12:30 AM) and then went back into AFib about 17 hours later for a short time. I was released from the hospital around noon on Sunday and was sent home on Eliquis (5 mg, 2X) and Cardizem. On Tuesday, my cardiologist deleted the Cardizem and put me on Sotalol (1/2 80 mg tablet, 2X).
I am 66 years old and am quite active. I exercise regularly, play softball and, most importantly, played hockey 3 plus times a week in the winter. I am VERY concerned about the impact AFib and the associated medications will have on my activity. I know "contact sports" are not recommended for people on blood thinners but our hockey is mostly "old guy" hockey where checking is not permitted. Unfortunately, contact is not totally unavoidable so I am looking for input on people's experiences in this area. My cardiologist was clearly leary of me playing hockey but did not say "no." The cardiologist in the hospital felt it wasn't a big problem given that is not highly competitive and I wear a helmet with a face mask. Additionally, I have been talking to some of my leaguemates and already know of several that have been on blood thinners for some time. All words of wisdom will be appreciated!
I was recently diagnosed with AFib and may need an ablation or two. How much time did you have to take off work after the procedure to heal? What can I expect having an ablation procedure?
8 weeks ago I was diagnosed with AFIB. I retained a lot of fluid which I lost while in the hospsital due to the constant IV Diuretics I lost 15 pounds of water. Now at home I regained 10 pounds even though I am only eating less than 1800 calories per day and trying to drink less than 40 ozs of fluid.. My Doctor just upped my Furosemide 20 mg to 4 tablets a day.
I just had my first succesful cardioversion and out of AFIB for now. Any ideas to hasten the fluid loss? It can be very uncomfortable. Thanks
I went to the ER at approx. 8:00 PM Friday, 7/13/18 with an odd feeling in my chest and a heart rate averaging 164 BPM up to 189, per my Polar HRM. Diagnosed as being in AFib VERY quickly by ER staff. I converted to sinus rhythm about 4.5 hrs later (12:30 AM) and then went back into AFib about 17 hours later for a short time. I was released from the hospital around noon on Sunday and was sent home on Eliquis (5 mg, 2X) and Cardizem. On Tuesday, my cardiologist deleted the Cardizem and put me on Sotalol (1/2 80 mg tablet, 2X).
I am 66 years old and am quite active. I exercise regularly, play softball and, most importantly, played hockey 3 plus times a week in the winter. I am VERY concerned about the impact AFib and the associated medications will have on my activity. I know "contact sports" are not recommended for people on blood thinners but our hockey is mostly "old guy" hockey where checking is not permitted. Unfortunately, contact is not totally unavoidable so I am looking for input on people's experiences in this area. My cardiologist was clearly leary of me playing hockey but did not say "no." The cardiologist in the hospital felt it wasn't a big problem given that is not highly competitive and I wear a helmet with a face mask. Additionally, I have been talking to some of my leaguemates and already know of several that have been on blood thinners for some time. All words of wisdom will be appreciated!
Thanks,
Steve